Response to Comment on Leese et al. Progression of Diabetes Retinal Status Within Community Screening Programs and Potential Implications for Screening Intervals. Diabetes Care 2015;38:488–494

We thank Ziemssen et al. (1) for their comments on our recent article (2). The underlying issue is how much evidence is required before screening intervals are changed. Screening is a population-based activity, designed for maximum benefit of the population and the safety of the individual. Using a variable screening interval depending on risk could enable resources to be directed toward patients at the highest risk of visual loss. We agree with Ziemssen et al. that some patients with clinically significant maculopathy will require treatment on referral to the ophthalmology clinic and apologize if we gave the wrong impression. We were trying to indicate that the vast majority of …